Visit the Barn
13736 Marigold Street Northwest
Andover, Minnesota 55304
763.433.BARN (2276)
barn@roundbarntradingcompany.com
HOURS
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m
Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m
Closed: New Year's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
Who We Are
This 100-year old barn offers 3,600 square feet of charming shopping space – updated with lighting and insulation, of course! Open seven days a week and year round, the Barn invokes memories of old fashioned general stores. Vintage cupboards and tables, old farm implements and salvaged goods, nostalgic candies and food mixes, candles and soaps, home decor and handcrafted goods are all part of our curated product line.
The Barn is filled to the brim, and many of our products are created by local small businesses or artists. Our heart is to support the makers, creators, and businesses of the Midwest. We want the Barn to meet every-day needs, bring joy to your home, and keep you up-to-date on current home and lifestyle trends. If you are looking for something for your home or your life, you can find it in the Barn!
We welcome our neighbors from the Farmstead Residence to stroll on over for a visit. Our community is an important piece of our business and story. Who knows what friendships can be made in our space!
Our History
The Original Farm complex. The long barn, on the left of the round barn, the two silos, and the farmhouse seen in the right corner are all gone now, replaced by a senior living complex.
The Round Barn was built in 1880 and was originally used to house calves and livestock feed. In 1950 the land was purchased by George and Maja Adolfson. George was a farm boy from Sweden and came to the US when he was young. He was glad to be back on the farm again!
Dairy Farming
Their farm consisted mainly of dairy cows ranging from 25-50 milking cows and some crop land. The large extension added to the barn was actually moved up here from Minneapolis by truck! They hired married couples to help manage the farm and they lived in a round house built on the property that was similar in shape to the barn. George and Maja lived in the farm house with their 5 children, and Maja’s mother lived in a house across the driveway.
At one point, the Round Barn was used as an auction house for the cows. The current furnace room was referred to the “cow shower,” where they washed off the cows before they brought them in to auction them off. Later, the barn was cleared out and Maja started selling antiques in the barn, while the floors were still dirt! The Barn has continued on since then as a shop.
Maja had made it known to her husband and family she never wanted to leave the farm. When it came time for her to need assisted living, the family decided to build something on the farm so she wouldn’t need to leave the place she loved so much. The family sponsored a “competition” for building a senior housing development. The construction firm George owned, Adolfson Peterson Construction (which is still running today and some of George and Maja’s grandchildren are still with the company) built the Farmstead, leaving one piece of the farm standing as the inspiration for the architectural design. The Round Barn was chosen to stay and is the last remaining piece of the original farm.
Andover’s Premier Shopping Experience
The Barn has been in business as an antique and gift shop for over 30 years, with four different owners through the years. On November 7, 2015, the store reopened as the Round Barn Trading Company under the fourth owners, Dennis and Julie Davis.
Find out more about the Barn products, vendors, and mission by reading our Artisan Information page.
The Next Adventure
On January 12, 2018 the Davis’ added to what they lovingly call their “barn collection” by purchasing the Historic Erickson Farmstead. The Farmstead is a wedding and event venue located in Isanti, Minnesota. Find out more about how Erickson Farmstead can support your small business, host your next family event, or inspire you to greater creativity by visiting the website here: www.ericksonfarmstead.com
The Timeline
➤ 1880 round barn constructed
The original farming family built the round barn and established the property as a dairy farm
➤ Population after 1950
25-30 cows, five children, and assorted farmhands
➤ 1950 - 2015
Round barn used as an auction house, antique store, home goods store
Presbyterian Homes & Services built and opened “The Farmstead” senior living facility
➤ Reopened as Round Barn Trading Company
Dennis and Julie Davis opened Round Barn Trading Company on November 7th, 2015
➤ Perfect mid-winter outing?
You betcha! Open year round, seven days a week!
➤Ideal summer Saturday destination?
Oh for sure! Cool air, cold drinks, and great staff make for a great midsummer shopping break
➤ Unique shopping experience?
The best in the midwest! With some of the most unique items, artists, and products, this is a must-see for anyone visiting the Twin Cities area
